The Charles Family of Woodchucks

Shortly after we moved into our home, we quickly realized how much wildlife and how many birds share our backyard. With the woods stretching out behind us, it has become a safe haven for all kinds of creatures. Growing up, I always appreciated being surrounded by nature, and this place brings me back to that same sense of calm from my past.

One animal that especially caught our attention was a woodchuck. We named him Charles—until the day Charles surprised us by bringing her pups along. That’s when Charles became Mama Charles.

That was about five years ago, and since then, the Charles Family has grown and changed as new generations move in, move on, or settle into the den they’ve built down the hill in the woods.

Watching these animals (and the many birds) has become one of my favorite pastimes. This year, Mama Charles showed up again, a little thinner and missing some fur—likely from pulling it out to line her nest. And this time, she brought five pups with her!

The videos I’ve shared here are from the very first time she brought her little ones up from the woods earlier this year. Since then, we’ve continued to see Mama Charles, one of her pups, a young one from last year’s litter, and even Daddy Charles making appearances.

Stay tuned—I’ll be posting more videos and photos to introduce the Charles Family, along with some of the other wonderful birds and wildlife that make our backyard such a special place.